Translator: PapaSmurf0700
The Sword Demon Tribulation is quite akin to the Heart Demon Tribulation in that both aim to enhance strength through achieving a clear mind. However, while the outcomes might be similar, the methods are distinctly different.
The Heart Demon Tribulation is more about enlightenment, creating a harmonious connection between the cultivator and their inner demons. It's a journey of self-discovery and reconciliation. In contrast, the Sword Demon Tribulation can be summarized in one word: Slash! This tribulation demands that cultivators sever the demonic hindrances and confusions that cloud their hearts.
Because of this intense approach, sword cultivators have often been viewed as reckless by other ancient qi practitioners. Yet, it's possibly this very recklessness that allows them to progress so swiftly. These cultivators typically show a remarkable improvement in their combat abilities early on in their training. What's more, they can undergo this tribulation multiple times, each one further sharpening their skills.
To initiate the Sword Demon Tribulation, a cultivator must either kindle the fire within their heart on their own or with the aid of a special pill. Following this ignition, the cultivator's consciousness is transported to a place that mirrors their inner landscape. The scenarios encountered here vary from one cultivator to another, but all are designed to challenge them.
Regardless of the situation, the ultimate requirement for every cultivator trapped in this tribulation is the same: they must clearly perceive their true nature to break free from the internal bonds of the tribulation. This process is not just about fighting external enemies but confronting and overcoming the battles within.
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Atop the watchtower, after Bai Ye detailed the workings of the Sword Demon Pill, Zoro made up his mind instantly. Despite only grasping bits and pieces of the discussion about tribulations and obsessions, he clearly understood that the pill Bai Ye held could significantly boost his strength.
Zoro looked at Bai Ye with eyes filled with gratitude and nodded deeply. "Thank you, Bai Ye," he said, his voice carrying a weight of sincerity.
Bai Ye shook his head, dismissing the thanks with a gentle wave of his hand. "We're friends, Zoro, no need for that. But let me stress this," he continued with a serious tone, "the gains in strength after breaking through are substantial, yet you must be ready for the worst."
He leaned closer, making sure Zoro understood every word. "Taking this pill will plunge you into an illusion, and even I can't predict what you'll face there. What I do know is that failing to break through could trap you in that illusion forever, leaving you unable to wake up. And when the fuel that sparks your inner fire runs out, death will follow."
Bai Ye's expression was grave as he spoke, reflecting the serious risks involved. "Can you accept risking your life?" he asked, even though he knew Zoro's courageous nature might make this question redundant.
Zoro met Bai Ye's gaze, his eyes unwavering and resolute. "I am ready to risk it all," he declared, his voice steady and determined.
A light, self-deprecating chuckle escaped Bai Ye. "I should have known your answer," he admitted with a smile. The realization hit him suddenly; how foolish he was to doubt. Here was a man who could emerge from battle, bloodied yet unbowed, and claim 'nothing happened'. How could such a man fear mere illusions?
In that moment, Bai Ye couldn't help but anticipate just how formidable Zoro would become once he conquered this challenge.
Bai Ye gave a decisive nod. "Then, get ready to go."
Zoro's face twisted into a puzzled expression. "Huh?" he grunted, clearly confused.
"When you start, you need absolute quiet," Bai Ye clarified, noting Zoro's bewilderment.
Zoro's frown deepened, prompting Bai Ye to elaborate further. "You don't want to do this on the Golden Merry, do you? Between the unpredictability of the sea, potential enemy attacks, and not to mention Luffy... it's hardly ideal." Bai Ye raised an eyebrow, adding, "Imagine trying to face your tribulation, and Luffy barges into the room. That'd be sure failure."
At the mention of Luffy, Zoro visibly shuddered, his face souring at the thought. The realization of what could go wrong made him shiver, and he quickly made up his mind that it couldn't happen this way. But then, a new worry cropped up. If not on the Golden Merry, then where?
Turning to Bai Ye, Zoro's look was one of utter confusion, almost as if a literal question mark hovered above his head.
Noticing his puzzled look, Bai Ye chuckled softly. "Ah, sorry, it seems I forgot to mention something important." He leaned in slightly, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "After our Rainbow Mist adventure and some practice, I've mastered how to open the door to the Rainbow Mist anytime, anywhere."
-----
Shortly after, in the conference room, everyone gasped in surprise when Bai Ye revealed his capability. "What?!" they exclaimed in unison.
Usopp eyed Bai Ye, his tone dripping with awe and a touch of flattery, "Hey, hey, Bai Ye, are you pulling our leg? That's the notorious pirate graveyard."
Sanji, puffing on his cigarette, looked over thoughtfully. "Just being able to whisk us away and grab all those treasures was shocking enough. Can you really do it again?" he asked, skepticism mixed with a hint of hope.
The deputy captain's knack for springing surprises had become a known trait among the crew.
Bai Ye responded with his usual calm, unperturbed by their astonishment. "I only managed it recently, so I didn't share it until now," he explained, a slight smile playing on his lips. His assurance was solid; he wasn't fabricating any of this.
Previously, Bai Ye had removed the original creator's mark and, somewhat indirectly, linked with the core of the rainbow mist's mini-world through his own inner world's origin, granting him what was akin to administrative privileges.
Now, after relentless efforts, Bai Ye had successfully embedded a new mark within the core of the rainbow mist, effectively "stealing" more control over it. This allowed him the remarkable ability to open the door to the Rainbow Mist whenever and wherever he chose.
An unexpected boon was that the flow of time within the rainbow mist had normalized. This was a relief for Bai Ye. On one hand, he no longer had to worry about brief visits inside resulting in decades passing by in the outside world. On the other, it afforded him the opportunity to gradually establish a new temporal law within it.
Meanwhile, Bai Ye also continued to use the Incomplete Law of Devouring within his inner world to subtly erode the interior world of the Taomen Jilu. Although progress was slow, Bai Ye estimated that completely engraving the new law of time flow into the Taomen Jilu was not far off—a goal he patiently pursued.
-----
After hearing Bai Ye's explanation, Robin was the first to grasp the implications. "This means we could have an extra secret base," she mused aloud. Having spent much of her life in the shadows, constantly on the run, the idea of a secure, hidden refuge appealed deeply to her. It was no surprise then that her sense of security surged at the thought.
Nami caught on quickly, her eyes widening as she realized the full extent of Bai Ye's surprise. "Robin's right," she chimed in, enthusiasm lacing her voice. "If we ever run into formidable enemies like the three admirals again, we'll have a quicker way to escape!"
Bai Ye nodded at the two women, affirming their thoughts with a smile that conveyed his agreement.
Luffy, on the other hand, seemed less concerned with the strategic value of the discovery. "Secret base? Cool," he remarked nonchalantly. For him, the allure of the Rainbow Mist lay more in its mystery and potential for adventure than its practical uses. This fascination only grew after their escapades in Sky Island, sparking a keen interest in such enigmatic locations. Yet, Bai Ye knew that Luffy harbored no ambitions of dominance; his interest was driven purely by curiosity and excitement.
Luffy's enthusiasm burst forth as he slammed his hand on the table, exclaiming, "Bai Ye, I want to go inside too!!"
At Luffy's outburst, several veins of frustration appeared on Zoro's forehead, a silent testament to his irritation. Meanwhile, Bai Ye, ever the diplomat among them, responded with practiced ease, "Next time, next time,"